I'll give this park three stars because there's a lot to do and it's pretty, but that's really the end of my love. First, there are two ponds in Wash Park. What does that mean? GEESE. I hate geese. I'm perhaps the only non-poultry eater who applauds fois gras because geese are assholes and they hiss at you and they deserve it (can you tell I had a traumatic childhood experience?). Second, the people. I love Cheesman because the peoplewatching is excellent...truly all walks of life. At Wash Park, it's a pretty homogenous jogging stroller, labradoodle crowd. I also dislike the lack of grassy areas and where there are grassy areas, they're loaded with goose crap. I really only come here for special events or when I'm cycling through, but it's not a good hang out and picnic park to me. read more

Just got an "off-leash" ticket here. Second time at Wash Park, was smack dab in the middle. So far from the road, I must have been a spec to all. Walked all the way to the dead center of the park and let my dog off leash. (Yes I'm one of *them*. You know, the type that doesn't want to deprive their dog of their natural born right to exercise - respectfully out of threatening distance from non-dog loving types.) Noone around for an entire football field Apparently the cops here have heat detector technology or are monitoring off leash scofflaws from outer space, because within seconds I saw their golf cart closing in at warp speed. The ticket was $50. But there was an additional $10 processing fee and a $20 victims assistance fee. Fully 60% of the violation amount in fees. Because that's how much it costs to maintain heat detecting, laser-satelite off leash dog walking busting technologies. You all can keep your cops with their golf carts. I'll be somewhere anywhere else. If you want to voice your opinion on dog parks, etc, there is a survey open until the end of April: http://www.denvergov.org/Default.aspx?alias=www.denvergov.org/parksandrecreation read more

This is a beautiful park. There's lakes, trees, and flowers -- including a replica of Martha Washington's garden at Mt. Vernon. And it's full of beautiful people. These people are so serious about being seen getting their exercise that they will run you over, whether on foot or bike, without caring about getting your blood all over their perfectly coordinated high-tech little outfits. Why should they? After all, those bike shorts will go out of style next week and they'll have to buy new ones, anyway. Stay off the path if you cherish your life. read more

This park has it all: -Spandex-clad dude biking above the posted speed limit yelling at people that walk into the bike path? Check. -Helicopter parent with a B.O.B. double stroller enjoying a stroll between infant music class and sign-language for liberals? Check. -Yoga girl rocking the $140 Lullemon yoga pants? Check. -Shirtless frat guys playing kickball? Check. -Dog enthusiast that believes that man's best friend should not be restrained by a leash? Check. -Clipboard wielding "got a minute for the environment" guy/gal? Check. -A Russian guy who runs on a treadmill in a Cosby sweater? Check. -Me? Check. This isn't my favorite park in Denver, but it is the premier Denver park for people watching. There are always people out and about and plenty to observe. Most of the facilities are pretty crowded, which is why I will plan my gatherings elsewhere. But if I want to go for a stroll, this park always entertains. read more

I've frequented this park since attending South High School across the street and the beauty of this place never gets old! This is the only park where I feel safe enough in it to go for a late night run! It's well lit and in an ideal neighborhood so that you can feel safe and enjoy the sights! The moon over the lake at night is a beyond beautiful sight! Everything is so lush green, the park is well taken care of by staff and the lake is always pristine! The playground is awesome for the kids and they feature a great tire swing! There is paddle boats to rent and plenty of room for dogs to run and play! The walkways are designated for walkers on one side and things with wheels on the other side so you have like no chance of being run over which is great! 2 mile tack on the inside of the park 4 mile gravel track in the outskirts edge of the park, good for any type of runner! read more

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I love Wash Park! Reasons that I love this place include the following: 1. It is big and beautiful. 2. There is a long bike path that I can ride my cruiser on if I just want to be outside. 3. It is pretty easy to get to, with lots of entrances. 4. The have bikes you can rent if you do not have your own. 5. There are tons of places to play different sports like softball, kickball and more. 6. You can rent paddle boats and paddle around the lake. 7. There is a guy that goes here to practice riding his skateboard on his hands in a handstand. But, the park does tend to get overcrowded so if you are not really comfortable with that try one of the quieter parks in the area. read more

Ok, I'm relatively new to Denver and had run wash park only as a tourist during the Denver marathon in 2012. Now as a resident, I've been able to come almost weekly to run around this park and I love it. The 2.5 (2.45 actually) mile loop is great for training and it's on gravel and road most of the time. You don't worry about a lot of lights and there is bathrooms and water fountains there. I recently did a 15 mile run around this park (sounds crazy) but the comfort in knowing my gear was close by in my car, there was a bathroom on route, and water available made it very easy. Easy enough I guess. I plan on enjoying this park more now that it's not as cold and would rather ride bike more often. read more

The Park itself is beautiful, and has quite an interesting history (look up landscape architect S.R. DeBoer if you want to hear some really great stories). Too bad it is so crowded ALL THE TIME. If you aren't in perfect shape, blonde, and own a dog you might as well be a leper trying to fit in here. Really, there are many other parks in the metro area that are just as beautiful (if not as big), much more diverse, and not as crowded. Growing up in Denver I don't remember it being this way, but I'm not sure if adult disillusionment has set in, or if its on account of so many people flooding the area and not bothering to check out the less yuppie places. read more

I love Wash Park. I live in Parker. It's 20 miles away...by car. But, did I say, "I love Wash Park?" How can this park exist? And why isn't it closer? I can ride my bike...with no handlebars. (Little song lyric thrown in) I do ride my bicycle. It is so beautiful. The grass. The bikers. The flowers. The joggers. The ponds. The walkers. The cool old houses nearby. The volleyball players. The activities. The workout sessions. The picnics. The proximity to restaurants and pubs. Need I say more...just watch out for those Geese. read more

We visited this park on our last day in Denver and I somewhat wish we found it sooner. A beautiful park with an abundance of activities, Washington Park has something for everyone--even a nice waterfront area with kayak and canoe rentals. I imagine this is one of the parks that captures the beauty and essence of Denver and it's definitely a worthwhile visit. read more

I visit/use Wash Park 3-4 times every week for about 45 minutes as we walk around it. Kids? Yes. That is what parks are about. Goose poop? Yes. I wish that shotgunning geese were legal. Fast cyclists? Yes. Just stay in the ped lane. Noisy? No. It is in the city though. Crowded? No, but it is the most used park on a people/square-meter basis of any park in the city. Soothing? Yes. Pleasant? Yes. Pretty? Yes. Drug dealers? None that I have seen. Friendly city employees? Yes. Close to my house? Yes, 1km. Recommended? No. It is too nice for the likes of you. read more

Wash Park is the mecca of all parks in Denver. When I moved to Denver about 8 years ago, it quickly became my favorite park to run in. The outer loop is about 2.5 miles around (though it's a bit less now that they've done some renovations and made changes to the trail through the years), and you're sure to be entertained the whole time. Walkers, runners, and everyone else will be out in abundance when the weather is nice. The trail is busy with numerous people and their dogs, but I've never had a negative experience. People smile and leave room for everyone to use the trail simultaneously. If you are willing to brave it and be there on a beautiful summer day, do it. I say "brave it" because the crowds come out in hordes. Wash Park used to be the "it" park for volleyball, but I have heard that you now need a permit. I have not substantiated that claim, so take it as you may. Your large groups can plan on BBQing, laying in the sun, drinking (no glass), and enjoying the variety of people watching. If you're driving over, parking is a pain. My tip would be to park a few blocks away and be better for it. Make sure you have friends to help carry things to/from your car, and it's not a problem. There are beautiful flowers, benches to sit on, some lakes/ponds that provide rentals, and an abundance of happy people. I have never rented anything at the park, but you can see people enjoying themselves on paddle boats, bikes, and other modes of transportation. You can also fish--or at least I see people doing that! Dogs need to be on a leash at all times--just do it. The park isn't just for nice days. One of my all time favorites is pulling out the snowshoes on a wintery day and walking around the winter wonderland. Bundle up, take a hot toddy, and bask in the emptiness of the park. read more

Love this place. It's got a big trail all around for both bikers and runners, plus volley ball courts, kids playgrounds, 2 big ponds, and lots of grassy areas for playing catch or laying down a blanket for a nice picnic. Not to mention the amount of good looking people of both genders that come here and remind you that Denver is the fittest city in the country-I had some friends from out of town that wouldn't stop talking about it! Hell yes, Denver. How many people can say that about their city park? read more

This has been one of my favorite discoveries since I moved here last summer. Every possible nice day I bring my dog and spend hours walking. I can't wait till it's warm and dry enough to bring skates. This park is huge and beautiful. Only a couple of times have I felt it was too crowded. There is a nice center play area for kids too. Lot's of areas to barbecue and beautiful flower areas. read more

Washington Park, or as it's more commonly known as Wash Park, is a very nice, large city park. My husband and I walk here, either by ourselves, or with our two furry kids (our two dogs), throughout the Colorado seasons. We love walking around the lake, and seeing other people out and about, enjoying the lake, the trees, the flowers, the Colorado sunshine. Wash Park is a "standard" in Denver. People know "Wash Park," and it's reputation is well deserved. The city keeps it clean, and well maintained. It's beautiful and just a nice place to just "be," to relax. Have a picnic, take a walk, whatever you need. You see families, couples, and singles, walking, jogging, riding bikes, around the park. There is plenty of parking both inside and outside the park. There are lots of entrances, so that makes it easy too. It's easy enough to get to the park, from wherever you are in Denver. Try it, you'll like it. Go, relax, and just "be." read more

Today I'm reading all the reviews for Washington Park and can't even imagine the yuppie-esque crowd scenes described. This park was one of my main hangouts when I was young. I remember ice-skating on one of the lakes, during pleasant winter evenings. I remember pottery classes in a building in the park. I remember bicycling all over the *uncrowded* park with my bike-shop-worker friends. I remember when my South High School friends found all sorts of ways to ditch classes and spend time in this park instead. I remember the grand and glorious gardens all over the place. I just can't imagine the scene you are all describing it has become. The neighborhood around it was simply lots of trees, and decent older houses, bungalows mostly...and many Tudors over on the east edge. Those are my memories anyway...could be inaccurate...let me know. So for the memories, and the very good tennis memories too, I give Wash Park 5 stars. A person can thrive just lounging in the luxurious land of happy memories...at least for awhile...right? read more

What a wonderful park! I was looking for a new location for my pup and me to do some walking. It's always nice to enjoy a change in scenery for the both of us. She likes the new smells and always enjoy the new scenery. This place has it all. Parking was not an issue, I was able to park in one of the parking lots in the middle of a Saturday. The walkways are nicely paved for easy walking/running. It reaffirms be belief that 99% of people in CO have dogs, since the dog population in the park is through the roof. People playing volleyball and Frisbee all around the area for some nice people watching, not to mention the shirt vs.. skins basketball game going on that caught our attention. Is skin vs. skin out of the question, it's better for watching (I'm just saying). The eye candy is great, next time you want to look at some beautiful people I highly recommend Washington Park. My pup enjoyed chasing all the geese and making them fly, including jumping in the water after them. She had a blast and was super tired only after a couple of hours. I could definitely see myself hanging out here for the day with a blanket, a book, and my pup enjoying the people watching and the sun rays. The quality of the park is outstanding and very well taken care of. A mandatory visit for everyone in the Denver area. read more

Wash Park is a great park full of different options: Biking, Rollerblading, Jogging and walking paths circle the whole park which is 8 blocks tall(North to South) by 4 blocks(East to West) wide. My slant will be from the bike and jogging path as that is my place of muscle fiber worship. It is 2.26 miles around this inner loop. The path is divided into 2 directions and sections: One is for bikes which goes counter-clockwise and the other is for walking, jogging, long-boarding or knee-shuffling, which arrows clockwise. The only reason it's not a five star for me is that the path riders get a little feisty and some people wander about looking at squirrels while walking in front of bikes. Also, some guy screamed because I was rollerblading on the bike side. There is no signage for where rollerbladers are to go that I found. It does say 15mph on the bike side. Guess it depends on how pumped your legs are on those inline bad boys or how fast you can shuffle your knees. There is a very peaceful flower garden with benches. Activities: Gym sets for kids in the family, huge open grass fields where people do set up volleyball, football, yoga, etc. There are also many isolated patches with trees to give shade. Many with picnic tables are spread around as well. They have a chin up bar on the East side in the middle near Kentucky I think. I even saw a "Headphone Dance Party" the other day with a sign saying All are Welcome. Shake your groove thang! A Great park! read more

I love this park! Situated in the middle of Denver, it is an Oasis for those who just need to feel the cool grass under their feet! If you want to bike ride, walk, stroll, jog or just people watch, you would be hard pressed to find a better place! Plenty of public restrooms on the 2.2 mile loop around the park...and if need a snack, in the summer there are little food carts and ice cream trucks. You are also only a few blocks away from restaurants and coffee shops. Native or visitor, you have to experience this park! read more

When I first moved to Denver, I thought Washington Park was the cat's meow (or more appropriately, the dog's woof). However, over the next three and a half years my opinion started to change. Admittedly, part of this was due to me moving into cap hill so it was way more of an effort to get to Wash and parking is a major pain in the butt. I rollerbladed, ran, biked, jogged with my dog, etc at this park. You can do it all. It is also home to a few races during the year. My problem with this park can be summed up in two points: 1) Athletic/Pro/Team Bikers: Why do you train here?! There are kids, balls, dogs, and people with strollers using the same route and many of you go really fast. So fast, I hear my mom in the back of my head scolding me for trying to fetch a ball out of the road without looking both directions. 2) Freaking crowded. When it is nice out the place is packed. No parking, not much room for running (with or without dog) on either path and forget trying to play frisbee, volleyball, or soccer without having a pre-determined team and setting up camp the night before to reserve your spot. Aside from this, a really nice park. read more

This park is soooo good. Great for kids, even great for adults looking for fresh air and a path to run. Wish I could go here every day.

I love that Wash Park gets "overcrowded." It's lively! It's like a very tiny Central Park - without the randomly-placed statues and stunning views of Midtown! Seriously though, it's one of the most beautiful areas in Denver AND its accessible by light rail (or even riding your bike). There are always a ton of activities to get involved in (volleyball, softball, ultimate frisbee etc.) if you want. Or not. Oh, and the bugs don't bite! Big plus. What's with these assclowns calling everyone yuppies - and that girl that hates squirrels? What? I love you guys... Let's have a picnic in the park - in a giant sealed tent to protect you from the world. read more

I honestly don't know why the few folks who have rated this park 2 or 3 stars are all surprised. They complain about the yuppies, the lack of diversity, the gorgeous people etc. Note: Denver is full of yuppies and has NO diversity; they act like this is something new to Colorado. Ok now for the park, uh it's ok at best. I pretty much have the same complaints as the others but I'm just not sure why all the hype. And please don't compare this park to Central Park. read more

I just ran through Wash Park and it put me in such a good mood. I always leave Wash Park in a good mood. Today I saw this: Runners Bikers Walkers Volley Ball Tennis People Doing Random Exercises A Charity Run of Some Sort A Lady Teaching a Little One How to Ride a Bike Dogs Geese Squirrels More Dogs Sparkling Open Water Beautiful Sunshine And you almost always see these things in Wash Park on any given weekend. Even during the winter. I love how Wash Park has connectivity with Cherry Creek and other trails/parks in the area. Wash Park itself is pretty big, appx. 160 acres, and the outer perimeter trail is about 2.5 miles, so a nice walk/run on its own or a great part of a longer run/walk. Lots of open space for sports, fun, etc... And its not too far from restaurants and such. I'm not an expert on City management on Denver Parks. However...the limitation on booze in the Park is a good move. There are plenty of establishments in Denver for people to get their drinky on, keep the park classy, drunk-free and kid-friendly. I really appreciate how (most of the) people driving at the cross-walked streets actually stop at the cross walks. That's a rare thing in Denver. People who visit Denver routinely comment on how great the system of parks is. Wash Park is one of the highlights of the greater Denver Park system and I like it. read more

I love this park ! We don't live nearby but always find ourselves driving all the way over to Washington Park to enjoy our "park" days. Parking can sometimes be a hassle on the weekends but it's worth it. Two lakes, a playground, beautiful gardens ( in the spring and summer), walking, jogging and biking paths as well. If you don't live in the area and still want to bike ride they have rentals available of normal bikes and fun family/group surrey bikes. If you aren't the outdoor active sort than one of the most entertaining things to do at Washington Park is people watch !! read more

So I am biased as I live a block or two away from the park. However this park is big and has a lot of energy during the weekends and week nights. I would suggest getting here early if you want to stake a claim to a spot on the weekend. One good idea for date night is there are free concerts during some summer nights. You will have to look at the schedule by googling it, but it is definitely worth it. With a some chairs, some good and some drinks free jazz is great! I like it better than jazz in the park as no one gets shot and not as ghetto (in my biased opinion). Also one more thing...cops are really cracking down on leash laws so if you are like me and have a dog make sure have him on a leash during the day and weekends...early in morning can press your luck a little more. Enjoy the party on weekends but expect a large crowd to enjoy it with you. read more

Who do you want to be today? At this urban oasis, there is plenty of space (and plenty of people) to be a runner, a jogger, a meander-er, a people watcher, a biker, a croquet, bocce, kickball, wiffle ball, or volleyball champion, a picnic-er, a nature watcher (or avoider if you dislike geese), a swinger (as in one who swings...on a playground), and countless other "ers". Come as you are, enjoy the scenery, the shade, the water, the flora and fauna, and most of all, the other "ers". read more

I pity the fool that doesn't know the joy and awesomeness of Washington Park. It makes City Park look like a dump (not that it's not) and blows other full access parks in town out of the water. What it has to offer: - 8 x 4 blocks of green, green, green in the middle of the city. Wahoo! - Wide open lawn space that can accommodate wedding/birthday receptions, volleyball tourneys, tossing a frisbee or playing a bit of catch. - 2 tennis courts at the mid point of the park on the west side - 7 lit tennis courts at the south end. - 2 Basketball courts at the mid point of the park on the west side - A double lane paved road meandering it's way all around the park for runners, bikers, rollerbladers and even cars is some places - 3 good sized ponds for some 'me' time - one has paddle boats for you and your honey - The Big Garden for those perennial lovers out there - A 2 mile dirt running track that goes around the entire park perimeter And it's Free-Ninety Nine. Parking is no big deal, there's enough street parking for everyone. If you're going to bring your pets or host a party here (think alcohol & grills) you need to check out their website for permit and rule information. Life's better for everyone when we abide by the simple rules. read more

I love this park. There's good energy here. It's inspiring to see all the bikers, runners, walkers, animal lovers, families, singles - coming together as a community to enjoy our beautiful outdoors. A moment here will refuel your soul with the belief that good things are happening all around us. read more

Washington Park - March 2011 - Parks Near Me - Denver, Colorado

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Love love LOVE Wash Park. It's a huge park in Denver (the largest?) with a 2.5+ loop around the park and is always full of runners. There's an inner paved loop that is always busy with bikers, roller bladers, walkers, etc. The main park area is great to set up a blanket under a tree and read in the afternoon. There is a main lake where you can rent paddle boats and cruise around the lake. Also has tennis courts at a couple locations along the outter edge of the park. On the weekends though, bring your volleyball net, grill and a 6 pack of beer - the park is FULL of Denverites wanting to play outside! I've never seen so many impromptu volleyball games being played or burgers being grilled. There is something for everyone here - and it's so stinkin' beautiful! Green trees, grass, flowers, lakes, etc. read more

Charming, quaint besides the rude athletes that pass by or the parent that just gave up on trying to control their children. I love that there's a space to hold an event sitting on the edge of the water. You'd have to have a band or DJ to drowned out the constant background noise. It reminds me of the lakes in Minneapolis, shrinked by a factor of 5. I would NOT relate this park to Central Park. I'll return when typical people and their children are otherwise occupied. Ooh and when walking around make sure you look down instead of taking in the scenery...otherwise you're gonna smoosh some goose poop. read more

Almost every major city has THE park that everyone loves, and will tell others about when traveling. Wash Park definitely holds that status for me. Big beautiful trees, ponds with ducks, lush green grass, tennis courts, croquet courts (once saw a US vs. UK match here...yes, I'm serious), jogging and biking paths, athletics club, amazing neighborhoods...the list goes on and on. Want a beautiful area to jog in the morning? Here. Want to hang out with half of Denver with tons of volleyball nets and grilling out on national holidays? This is everyone's block party. Want to take a peaceful stroll during a late afternoon weekday? Come here. I've had the pleasure of visiting a lot of urban parks, and Wash Park is certainly amongst the best. I love it here during the summer, especially when equipped with lawn games and a grill. I seriously do not get here enough, and need to rectify that. read more

I am a HUGE fan of Wash Park! If you are into running, there is a nice sidewalk and borderline dirt path that surrounds the perimeter of the park totaling about 2.4 miles according to my Garmin. On the inner border of the park is a nice circular, paved section where you can get your bike/run/rollerblade on without any incident. On the north side of the park is a good sized lake where you can rent paddle boats! I think at the boathouse you can also rent bikes and cruisers (although I have never rented any). Also, there is a ton of open space in the park to just chill and relax. The south end of the park seems to be my go-to place lately to BBQ and hang out with friends. If you are in this side of town or looking for a nice park to check out, Wash Park definitely has about everything and more I could want in an open space. read more

I love this park ...there's so many people with so much motivation so many little things to do lots of people all the time. you can rent bikes paddle boats you can also rent the big gazebo. for any function read more

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LOVE LOVE LOVE this park. Whether to just take a stroll around with my best friend or to play volleyball it's awesome. There is always a place to sit or hang out, tons of family and people of all ages all getting along. Lots of park games. Beautiful lake and flowers and giant trees. Truly one of the more beautiful parks I've been to. The best of the best parks for sure. read more

Finally made my way to Wash Park. Took too many years, but finally i've been there and it's a great place! There are walking, running and biking trails Grass to spread a blanket Streams for the pups to jump in It is pretty close to the bike trail - so that adds to the awesome factor! Yeah for parks! read more

What's not to love about a big pretty park? It's plenty large, good for picnicking and watching the geese. My dog loves coming here for walks and we love drinking rose and relaxing in the park. read more

Washington Park - Relaxing day in the park - Parks Near Me - Denver, Colorado

Yes Wash Park is beautiful. Yes Wash Park has Geese that Monkey is obsessed with. Yes Wash Park is a great Sunday Funday location. But.....With so many people, volleyball nets, dogs, muscles, bikinis, children, long lines at the nasty bathrooms, and road bikers flying past me on the trails I can't help but get anxious. This park has everything you could want in a public park but I have a hard time going there and relaxing. My hands are getting clammy just thinking about Wash - that kind of anxiety. Wash is just way too much for me! read more

There is something for everyone at this park. From volleyball to 5k's to a lazy afternoon on the lake Washington Park is as good as it gets. I lived pretty far South from Wash Park in high school, and my friends and I would constantly take trips North simply to go to this park. They have a fantastic, beautiful loop for bikers, runners, dog walkers, and nature junkies. Now I live down the street, and am a frequent visitor. This park is my dream park. It really doesn't get any better than this. I can't wait for many more years of Washington Park visits to come. read more

Help me understand why teams of people ride bikes here in their biking outfits. Do you need your biking outfit to ride around the park? If your training for some sort of cycle event, wouldn't you want to go on the open road where there is a gradient? Wash Park is beautiful but overcrowded. I don't remember the place being so obnoxious when I was growing up. Minus two stars because park patrons take their park activities way to seriously! read more